Hi, I just moved to Belgium and I am in the process of renting an apartment. the proposed contract is long term (9 years) but it has this clause and it worries me a bit:

31. ARBITRAGE

Les parties marquent dès à présent leur volonté commune de régler rapidement et via une procédure simple tout conflit susceptible de surgir entre elles. En conséquence, tout différent relatif à la présente convention et toutes ses suites seront arbitrés par le Centre belge d’arbitrage et de médiation (CEPANI) ([info@cepani.be](mailto:info@cepani.be) – www.cepani.be) avec constitution de l’arbitrage par 3 juges.

A titre subsidiaire, cet arbitrage se fera par la Justice de Paix de Bruxelles, mais uniquement à la propre discrétion du Bailleur.

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I checked CEPANI website and apparently it is super expensive to use their service (7500 euros) and I think it is a bit unbalanced that the landlord has the right to go to court and I don’t.

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the landlord says this clause is to protect against “Abusive tenants” and it is completely normal and common in Belgium.

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Any advice will be appreciated!

2 comments

  1. > the landlord says this clause is to protect against “Abusive tenants” and it is completely normal and common in Belgium.

    Lol. No. This is not common whatsoever. What is completely normal is going through the normal justice system if necessary.

    Avoid contracts like these like the plague, and find a different appartment.

  2. >A titre subsidiaire, cet arbitrage se fera par la Justice de Paix de Bruxelles, mais uniquement à la propre discrétion du Bailleur.

    Hell no.

    You are forced into arbitrage but the landlord can go directly to court.

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